“Learn how to start a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program in your community, including training, partnerships, operational protocols, and strategies to improve mental health crisis response.”
Mental health crises are complex, delicate situations that require specialized responses to ensure safety and promote effective care. Establishing a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program in your community is a proactive step toward improving how law enforcement and mental health professionals work together to handle these scenarios. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to start a CIT program, highlighting best practices and key considerations for success.
Understanding Crisis Intervention Teams
A crisis intervention team is made up of trained law enforcement officers and first responders equipped to recognize and safely respond to individuals experiencing mental health emergencies. Crisis intervention team training focuses on de-escalation techniques, mental illness awareness, legal knowledge, and collaboration with community mental health resources.
CIT programs have been widely adopted across the United States and internationally, with proven outcomes including lowered use-of-force incidents, reduced arrests among individuals with mental illness, better access to treatment, and stronger community trust.
Steps to Start a Crisis Intervention Team Program
1. Assess Community Needs and Resources
Begin by evaluating your community’s specific needs and resources. Questions to consider include:
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What mental health challenges are most prevalent in your area?
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What existing mental health services and crisis response resources are available?
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What partnerships currently exist between law enforcement and mental health agencies?
Gathering data, consulting stakeholders, and reviewing crisis call histories will help tailor the CIT program to address local realities.
2. Secure Stakeholder Buy-In and Leadership Support
A successful CIT program requires committed leadership from law enforcement agencies, mental health service providers, community organizations, and local government. Facilitate meetings to build a coalition that supports the vision and can champion the initiative.
Leadership endorsement ensures access to funding, personnel, and policy backing—all critical for sustainability.
3. Develop Collaborative Partnerships
Effective CIT programs thrive on multidisciplinary partnerships involving:
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Police departments and sheriff’s offices
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Mental health hospitals and clinics
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Social service agencies
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Advocacy groups and consumer family organizations
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Emergency medical services
Establish memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and communication protocols to clarify roles and streamline cooperation.
4. Design the CIT Training Program
Leverage nationally recognized training curricula, such as those provided by Crisis Intervention Team International (CITI). The standard CIT training is approximately 40 hours and includes:
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Mental health education covering disorders, symptoms, and medications.
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De-escalation techniques and communication skills.
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Legal and ethical considerations regarding crisis interventions.
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Community resource navigation.
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Scenario-based role play and involvement of mental health consumers and families.
Customize the training to fit your community’s cultural context and operational needs, ensuring inclusivity and relevance.
5. Recruit and Train Officers
Identify officers who are interested and suited for CIT roles—those known for strong communication skills, empathy, and problem-solving abilities. Volunteerism is an effective method to build commitment.
Schedule and conduct training sessions, emphasizing interactive learning and practical application. Support ongoing education through refresher courses and advanced modules.
6. Implement Operational Protocols
Develop clear call dispatch protocols ensuring CIT-trained officers are deployed to applicable crisis calls. Define criteria for crisis response, referral procedures, and coordination with mental health providers.
Communicate these protocols across dispatch centers, law enforcement units, and partner agencies to assure seamless execution.
7. Establish Evaluation and Continuous Improvement Processes
Set metrics for program effectiveness such as:
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Number of officers trained.
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Frequency of CIT call deployments.
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Rates of diversion from arrests to treatment.
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Use of force and injury incidents.
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Participant and community feedback.
Collect data consistently and analyze outcomes to guide program adjustments and demonstrate impact to stakeholders.
8. Promote Community Awareness and Involvement
Inform community members about the CIT program through public presentations, informational materials, social media, and collaboration with advocacy groups. Transparent communication builds trust and encourages referrals to appropriate services.
Community education also combats stigma around mental illness and highlights shared responsibility for crisis resolution.
Challenges and Strategies for Success
Launching a CIT program can encounter obstacles including funding limitations, resistance to change, and resource gaps in mental health services. Address these by:
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Seeking grants and local government funding.
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Providing education to law enforcement to foster acceptance.
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Building relationships with regional mental health providers or telehealth initiatives.
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Engaging in continuous stakeholder dialogue.
Flexibility and persistence are key in overcoming challenges.
The Role of Crisis Intervention Team International
Crisis Intervention Team International (CITI) offers invaluable support for communities starting or enhancing CIT programs. Their expertise includes standardized curricula, train-the-trainer assistance, program development guides, and networking opportunities.
For more detailed guidance and resources, visit the official CITI website: Crisis Intervention Team International.
Read More: Comparing Crisis Intervention Team CIT Models Across Different States
Conclusion
Starting a crisis intervention team program is a community-strengthening initiative that saves lives, improves law enforcement responses, and opens pathways to mental health care. By following these steps and leveraging expert resources, communities can build effective, sustainable CIT programs that make a lasting positive impact.
